Aga Khan tribute
Deputy Ó Fearghaíl pays tribute to the late Aga Khan’s investment, philanthropy and contribution to the Curragh; the Tánaiste joins the condolences and acknowledges his national contribution.
Gabhaim buíochas leis an gCeann Comhairle. Táim buioch di as mé a roghnú chun ceist a chur. She might indulge me for a few seconds as I take the opportunity to express my personal sympathies on the death of His Highness Prince Karim, the Aga Khan, who was a major investor in this country over many decades. He was the owner of many stud farms, he invested heavily in the bloodstock sector and generated much employment. He was a true altruist and peace promoter, and one of the most significant philanthropists I ever had the privilege of meeting in this world. I suggest the House joins with me in expressing sympathy to his family and the Ismaili Muslim community that he led.
He loved running on the Curragh. It is about the Curragh that I wish to put my question. Page 57 of the programme for Government commits the Government to a conservation plan and new management system for the Curragh. My colleague, the Minister, Deputy Martin Heydon, was most instrumental in ensuring that provision in the programme for Government. It is absolutely essential that it is actioned now. Year after year, we have seen incursions onto the Curragh where it has become a vast illegal holiday campsite. The cost of rehabilitating the place last year was €185,000, which is half the cost of our famous bike shed. It was a humiliation to me that I could do nothing to get the State agencies to resolve the problem. It must have embarrassed the Tánaiste that he could not. What is the timescale for the implementation of action so that we will not have incursions again this year?
Comment on this
I thank Deputy Ó Fearghaíl. It is good to see him back in his role of advocating for his constituents in Kildare South. I join with him in expressing sympathy to the family of the Aga Khan on his passing, and to the community he led. The Minister, Deputy Heydon, and I discussed this only yesterday. Tributes have been led by our President and throughout the country in acknowledging the huge philanthropic contribution of the Aga Khan. We think of him and his family at this very sad time.
I thank the Deputy for raising the issue of the Curragh, which will fall within the remit of my new ministerial responsibilities. I look forward to a visit to the Curragh at an early stage to meet with Oireachtas representatives from County Kildare to discuss what is a very urgent issue. It was brought up with me during the canvass in Kildare. I will meet with the Deputy on this issue.